Wythenshawe man with 17-month-old child is robbed at knifepoint in park

A Wythenshawe man out with his 17-month-old child was robbed at knife point in the middle of a park in broad daylight yesterday.

The man handed over his wallet to the two robbers because he feared for the safety of his child, police said.

Sometime between 4.45pm and 5.05pm on Tuesday 26 November 2013 two men approached the man, who was pushing a pram through Rodgers Park off Firbank Road in Newall Green.

One of the men threatened him with a knife and demanded his wallet. The man with the child handed over the wallet which contained a small amount of cash and his bank card.

They then joined another two men who were waiting nearby and left through a wooded area of the park.

One of the men is described as white, around 5ft tall and around 17-years-old. He was wearing dark clothing with the hood up and a scarf covering his face. The other man was described as having dark skin, around 17 or 18-years-old and medium to large build. He was also wearing dark clothing with the hood up and a scarf covering his face.

Police are appealing for information and witnesses.

Detective Constable Neil McDonnell said: “This robbery happened in daylight in the middle of a local park. The man handed over his wallet out of fear for his and his child’s safety.

“We are urging anyone in the park at the time who may have seen the robbery or the men described to call police.

“In particular we are keen to speak to the two men who left with the offenders. Although not believed to be involved at all in the robbery, we are urging them to do the right thing and come forward with information about who is responsible.”

Anyone with information should call police on 0161 856 4882 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.